Tips for Balancing School, Work, and Family as a Veteran Student

Balancing school, work, and family can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for veteran students. We often have unique challenges being older individuals starting/continuing our education journeys.

Here are some tips for balancing school, work, and family as a veteran student:

• Set realistic goals. You know yourself, don’t try to do too much at once. Start by setting small goals that you can achieve, and gradually increase your workload as you get used to your new routine. College is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s okay to start your first semester with a lighter courseload to get acclimatized.
• Plan your time wisely. Make a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. For those of us with families and other priorities I know this is easier said than done. Yet, it is important to have a window that is open to coursework and study time. For each of us, this is going to be different and the duration will vary so find what works for you.
• Delegate tasks. If you have family members or friends who are willing to help, don’t be afraid to ask for their help or accept their offer. Remember that as veterans we have always found success as a team more often than not. The same applies to your degree and its pursuit. Delegating tasks of other areas while you work on your degree is not going to be a permanent thing. This will free up some of your time so that you can focus on your studies.
• Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you are feeling stressed. Get up and move around, or take a few minutes to relax and clear your head.
• Seek help if you need it. If you are struggling to cope with the demands of school, work, and family, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with support and resources to help you succeed.

Here are some more tips that may be helpful:

Use your military skills and experience. I promise you that your military skills and experience can be valuable assets in school, work, and family life. Not only used as highlights in your admissions applications and interviews. They are also important in the day-to-day aspects of attending class. You’ve been through planned and unplanned high-stress situations and come through the other side. In many ways, the military has prepared you for higher education as a byproduct. Play to your strengths as you plan and prepare your next steps.

• Connect with other veteran students. Talking to other veteran students who have been through the transition process can be helpful. They can offer support and advice, and they can help you to feel less alone. There are many different programs out there but one staple on most campuses is Student Veterans of America (SVA). They offer a variety of resources, including scholarships, grants, and mentoring programs.
• Be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to a new school, job, and family situation. Don’t expect to be perfect overnight. and don’t be afraid to look for resources and mentors.
• Don’t give up. There will be challenges along the way, but don’t give up on your dreams. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you are a veteran student who is struggling to balance school, work, and family, I encourage you to use the tips listed above. There are many people who want to help you succeed. You can always reach out to us on the contact page as well. I wish you all the best in your academic and personal journey. Happy Studying!